How To Reduce Loft Conversion Costs
One of the fastest, easiest ways to add space to your home is to do a loft conversion. Typically, it means you don’t have to extend your home’s footprint, and you can have the extra space you’ve always wanted in a home. Whether you hope to get an extra bedroom out of the deal for guests, or you want a new home office, a loft conversion is often the perfect option. Not only does it give you the space you want, but it can also mean adding value to your home, which means that down the road, you could potentially sell it for more. Unfortunately, though, the cost of loft conversion is quite high. How can you keep a lid on your costs? This guide can help you get the cheap loft conversion you want.
What Is A Loft?
If you’re unfamiliar with the term “loft,” don’t worry! The loft of your house is just the unused space at the top between your ceiling and your roof. In some cases, it’s called an attic. Not everyone has a loft space that is suitable for conversion, but in some cases, there’s quite a bit of unused square footage up there that you could easily convert into a great space for your home.
The Benefits Of A Loft Conversion In UK Homes?
Many benefits automatically come with a loft conversion. Maybe the biggest benefit for most homeowners is the fact that you can increase your living space extensively. Whether you have a growing family or you simply don’t have as much space as you’d like in your home, the potential to expand is an incredible one.
Beyond that fact, though, is the fact that you likely won’t need planning permission to execute a loft conversion. Were you to extend your home or something like that, you’d need planning permission or at least the consent of your neighbours. With a loft conversion, though, you’re not changing the outside structure of your home (in most cases). That can help you save quite a bit of money whilst still getting the space you want.
You’re also likely to recover most of your investment in a loft conversion. Should you ever decide to sell your home, the addition of a loft conversion could increase the value of your home by up to 20%, so it’s a fairly sound investment.
One other reason many people invest in a loft conversion is that it offers additional energy efficiency to the home. The roof is insulated during a loft conversion, so the hot air that rises won’t escape during the cold winter months. It can also help trap the cooler air during the summer months.
Can You Convert Your Loft?
It’s important to note, though, that not every loft is a candidate for the loft conversion process. As you work to understand whether your loft can be converted, there are several different factors you’ll want to consider. First, think about how much head height you have. You’ll also want to consider roof pitch, the structure of your roof, and any obstacles that are already in your loft.
The most suitable option for a loft conversion is a traditionally framed roof structure, as that can help the space be opened easily and inexpensively. If you have a trussed roof with W-shaped rafters, you can still convert it, but it will likely take a bit more time and effort, as they will have to be replaced with an A-shaped structure, which can mean inserting new steel beams. In general, the higher the angle of the roof pitch and the higher the central head height, the more likely a loft conversion is to be possible. If the initial roof space is less than 2.2 metres, you might have an issue, as you may have to replace the entire roof structure, which can mean planning permission will be necessary. In most cases, that means that your design will have to go through a bit more inspection. Generally, planning permission is not required for a loft conversion, as long as it doesn’t add more than 40 cubic metres of volume and doesn’t exceed the height of the existing roof or extend beyond the existing roof’s slope.
How Much Is A Loft Conversion?
The ability to convert your loft and the ability to afford the loft conversion cost may be two very different things. How much for a loft conversion? The cost of a loft conversion can turn out to be quite pricey. In most cases, the standard loft conversion price will run between £18,000 and £65,000 depending on the space you start with and how extensive your design is. How much are loft conversions with big spaces? The larger the space, the lower your overall attic conversion cost. The same is true for a simpler design. Loft conversion prices go down with simple designs. It’s also important to note that the overall price of your loft conversion will depend a bit on where you’re at in the UK. In London, it can be tough to get the materials to the right space, and it’s far more expensive to hire a team to handle the loft conversion. As a result, the price of loft conversion goes up quite a bit. If you live outside of London, though, you’re likely to pay quite a bit less for loft conversions. You may be able to find a cost of loft conversion calculator online to help. A loft conversion cost calculator usually asks for a bit of information, like the size of your space, and then offers you a rough cost idea. Typically, though, the cost of loft conversion in the UK is best understood when you get a few different quotes from tradespeople in your area who handle loft conversions, as they’ll be able to, at a glance, give you a decent idea of what it might cost for you to have the space you want to be added to your home.
Keep in mind that if you need a loft extension, that could be pricier. The cost of loft extension usually runs several thousand pounds more. The cost of a loft extension is higher because of the needed planning permission and the additional materials.
Reducing Loft Conversion Cost In The UK
Fortunately, there are ways to keep the cost of a loft conversion down. First, make sure you keep the existing roof structure intact. Things get far more expensive when you change the structure of your roof and start adding windows to the process. A loft extension cost is far higher than typical loft conversion costs. It’s also far cheaper if you don’t have to apply for planning permission, which means staying within the guidelines. You’ll also want to determine whether you want extras like plumbing. Adding plumbing to your loft conversion can mean more expenses, and in some cases, an entirely new system will have to be created. Finally, be sure you do plenty of research both for the right team to meet your needs and the right products. If you’re looking for great value, choose flooring, paint, and other materials that fit within your lower budget.
A Loft Can Add Lots Of Space, But Be Careful!
Loft conversions can mean lots of added space for your home, but loft conversion prices can be quite expensive as well. Do your research before you decide to undertake this project, get several loft conversion quotes, and you’ll likely save a bit of money on the basic loft conversion cost.
